On Sunday evening, Chittagong University witnessed a large student-led protest rally and gathering in response to controversial comments made by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman on social media regarding female workers. The remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter), sparked widespread anger among students.
The protest commenced at 7:00 pm from Golchattar, proceeding through the campus and culminating at the Shaheed Minar, where participants delivered speeches condemning the online post. Organisers described the statements as derogatory, demeaning to women, and wholly unacceptable.
Shruti Raj Chowdhury, Women’s Affairs Secretary of the Chhatra League and a third-year Sports Science student, stated, “After 5 August, we envisioned a society free from discrimination. Today, that vision faces a renewed threat. Under the guise of religion, Jamaat is undermining women’s dignity. It is imperative that their true nature is exposed to the public.”
Third-year English student Nusrat Jahan emphasised, “Working mothers and sisters drive our economy forward. Undermining their contributions is utterly unacceptable. Islam grants the highest respect to women through education, yet Jamaat’s post violates this principle.”
Fourth-year Marketing student and ‘Nari Angan’ organiser Sumaiya Sikder added, “Although Jamaat claims the leader’s account was hacked, the post reflects a longstanding misogynistic mindset. The state must take firm action against such attacks.”
Approximately 50 students took part in the demonstration, including Tasfia Tabassum, Health Secretary of Fazunnesa Hall Students Council, Jannatul Ferdous, and other Nari Angan members. Chants such as “No Place for Violence Against Women in Golden Bengal” and “Break the Teeth of Religious Rule” resonated across the campus.
In response to the controversy, a General Diary (GD) was filed at the local police station on Saturday night. Jamaat-e-Islami maintains that the post originated from a hacked account and does not reflect the party’s official stance.
Protest Details
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Participants | Members of Chhatra League and Nari Angan |
| Rally Route | Golchattar to Shaheed Minar |
| Number of Students | Approximately 50 |
| Main Message | Condemnation of derogatory remarks against women; call for state action |
| Jamaat’s Claim | Leader’s account hacked; post false and misleading |
The protest at Chittagong University underscores students’ active engagement in defending women’s rights and serves as a warning against the propagation of misogyny under religious pretexts.